About
Discover real-time whale sightings in the Salish Sea and Pacific Northwest. Get instant alerts for nearby cetacean activity and explore a detailed field guide to local species. This free app uses citizen science data to help you find and learn about whales.
What's New in Whale Watch PNW
1.7.7
September 27, 2026
Release notes for 1.7.7: Bug fixes Day filtering now works correctly (sightings were showing wrong timestamps causing "0 seconds ago" everywhere) Map pins are now tappable on device Shore visibility now shows distance from the sighting to shore, not from your location, so you can tell whether you need binoculars or a boat "Open in Map" now works from the recent sightings list, tapping it switches to the Map tab and flies to that sighting Push notification alerts now correctly use your configured alert radius New Sighting detail shows a photo of the species instead of a map snippet Unknown sightings are automatically classified when the description mentions species info (e.g. "T37A", "Biggs", "J Pod")
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FAQ
What species can I track with Whale Watch PNW?
Whale Watch PNW allows you to track sightings of Southern Resident Orca, Bigg's Transient Orca, Offshore Orca, Humpback Whale, Gray Whale, Minke Whale, Harbor Porpoise, and Pacific White-sided Dolphin. Each species entry includes its conservation status and peak season.
How does Whale Watch PNW notify me of sightings?
You can receive push alerts when a whale is spotted within 50 km (31 mi) of your location. You can customize these alerts to follow specific species you are interested in, such as Southern Resident Orca or Humpback Whales.
Is Whale Watch PNW free to use?
Yes, Whale Watch PNW is completely free. It does not require a subscription, an account, or display any advertisements. The app is built on open data and is designed to remain free indefinitely.
What kind of information is available for each sighting?
When you tap on a sighting pin on the map, you can view details such as the exact location, the size of the pod, observed behavior, and specific information about the species. This data is powered by the Acartia citizen science network.
Does Whale Watch PNW work offline?
The app relies on real-time data for sightings and alerts, so an active internet connection is required to view live maps and receive notifications. However, the species field guide information may be accessible offline.
What devices is Whale Watch PNW available on?
Whale Watch PNW is available for iPhone and iPad devices. It is designed to provide a seamless experience for users on Apple's mobile platforms.
How often is Whale Watch PNW updated?
The latest version of Whale Watch PNW is 1.7.7, which was last updated on September 27, 2026. Updates typically include improvements to data accuracy, new features, and bug fixes.
Does Whale Watch PNW have ads?
No, Whale Watch PNW is completely ad-free. The developers have stated that the app is designed to stay free forever without any advertisements.
